Head Coach Mark Dantonio firmly believes that he team that win the battle in the trenches, usually wins the game. With that in mind, his staff is targeting several talented offensive linemen for the class of 2010. Christian Pace of Avon Lake High school is one of the recruits that the Spartans are focused on for next year. SpartanMag.com caught up with the 6-foot-4, 270-pound prospect last night and got the latest on his recruitment.

SpartanMag.com first learned about Pace this past summer when Michigan State was recruiting offensive tackle Adam Schneid of Avon Lake. Schneid eventually committed to Central Michigan over a host of MAC offers. The Spartans closely evaluated Schneid and SpartranMag.com spoke with him several times. Schneid informed us that Pace was an outstanding prospect and that Michigan State was already looking at him for next year.

This past fall Pace helped his Avon Lake team to an 8-3 record. Avon Lake had a dominant rushing attack that accounted for rover 3000-yards of offense on the grounds. For his efforts, Pace was named 1st Team All Conference, 2nd team All-Northeast Ohio Lakes District and Honorable Mention All- Lorain County.

Pace was able to check out Michigan State this past fall and he talked about his visit to East Lansing

"I went to Michigan State for the Notre Dame game, he said. I liked it a lot. The new football facility was very nice and I liked the stadium as well."

Michigan State was the only game the pace was able to attend this fall, though he may attend the Ohio State vs. Michigan game this weekend.

Ohio State stopped by school and they have invited me down to see the Michigan game Pace said. I have not talked dot them yet, but I pan on doing so. I was invited to a lot of other games. Illinois invited me out there.

In addition to the three team mention above, the Cincinnati Bearcats, Wisconsin Badgers, Northwestern Wildcats, Indian Hoosier, Stanford Cardinal and The Crimson Tide of Alabama have all been in contact with Pace.

Most schools just want to see my junior highlight tape. Some also want me to send an individual game tape. I plan on going to some schools this winter and checking them out. I am just waiting for that first offer."

Pace will likely be invited back to Michigan State this winter when the Spartans host one of their junior day functions. Spartan Coach Don Treadwell serves as the primary recruiter of Pace for Michigan State.

Growing up in Ohio, most kids dream of playing for the Buckeyes. SpartanMag.com asked Pace about that.

"I have always liked Ohio State, Pace said. I grew up and Ohio State fan, but I like a lot of the schools I am hearing from. That is why I want to visits schools and learn more about them."

Besides his play, another reason pace will certainly have a lot of options is due to being a solid student. Pace carries a 3.3 GPA in the classroom and qualifying will not be an issue.

Pace informed us that he does not plan on participating in any other sports this school year. He intends to focus on getting bigger and stronger in preparation for college camps and his senior year. Ace already has a bench press of 325-pounds and a squat of 420-pounds.

SpartanMag.com will be sure to keep in contact with Pace over the coming months. The high-level of early interest by the Michigan State staff is a sure sign that he will be a player that remains high on the Spartan recruiting radar over the coming months.